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2026-07-30 07:46 UTC → 2026-07-30 10:28 UTC ·
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A prolonged Continuing the drought and heatwave across parts of Europe is threatening agricultural output. In late July, farmers that began earlier summer, conditions in Marl, Germany reported extremely dry fields and insufficient rainfall North Rhine‑Westphalia have worsened. Over the past six weeks only 4–8 litres of rain per square metre fell, far below the water needed for maize grain and potato crops, while soaring yields. Local officials warn that without rain the harvest could face severe losses or total failure. At the same time, diesel and fertilizer prices further squeezed farm profitability. The same weather pattern is affecting the broader European potato market. Reduced yields are shifting expectations from a surplus to remain high; a potential shortage, increasing demand farmer estimates potato production now costs €2,000‑€3,000 per hectare for Danish potatoes, which benefit from better irrigation capacity. Experts advise intensified fertilisation seeds, fertilizer and plant‑protection measures to mitigate stress on the crops. Together, protection, eroding profit margins. While the drought rye crop may meet volume expectations, overall farm profitability is creating doubtful, prompting some growers to reconsider cropping strategies and seek cost‑cutting measures. The ongoing dryness and input‑cost pressure keep the broader European potato market on both local producers and regional supply chains, raising edge, maintaining concerns about harvest viability reduced harvests, potential shortages and market prices price volatility across the continent.